Charles J. Drennen

Charles J. Drennen of Quakertown passed away in peaceful dignity in the compassionate care of the angels of the Hospice House of the VNA of St. Luke's in Bethelehem on July 22nd. He would have celebrated his 91st birthday on August 12th. Charles was born in Philadelphia, the son of John and Clara Drennen. He graduated from LaSalle College High School in 1937. He served in World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army Air Force on the Pacific island of Saipan. He was a squadron leader for one of the first maintenance crews to service the new B29 bomber. Prior to leaving for Saipan, he married Ruby Kindsfater, a farm girl from Colorado who he met while on leave in Denver. After the war, he and Ruby settled in Trevose and started their family. In 1955, they moved to Croydon, where Charles was active with the church and H&S Association of St. Thomas Aquinas. Charles worked for the Reading Railroad, later known as Conrail, for 40 years before retiring. Charles was pre-deceased by his two wives, Ruby J. Drennen (2003) and MaryLou Drennen (2006). He is also pre-deceased by two children, John (1999) and Christine (1992). He is survived by his daughter, Marianne (Dennis) Cleary of Quakertown, and sons Michael (Tammy) of Longmont, Colorado, Thomas (Kevin) of Philadelphia, Robert (Michelle) of Brookhaven, PA and Alan (Laurie) of Croydon. He is also survived by a step-daughter, Diane (Barney) Hanrahan of Schaumburg, Il. and his sister Frances Messer of Ridley Park. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Charles enjoyed watching the Phillies, having Sunday lunches of chili and a cold beer at Hobo's with Dennis and Marianne, and sitting in the sunshine. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal services. Interment will be private. Friends are invited to join his family for an open-house, "Irish-style" celebration of his life on Saturday, August 28th at 1705 Joanne Drive, Quakertown from 1:00 to 6:00pm. Please wear Phillies gear and a smile in his memory. Cremation arrangements were handled by C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in memory of Charles to Hospice House of the VNA of St. Luke's 1510 Valley Center Parkway, Suite 200 Bethlehem, PA 18017. "Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future." ~Paul Boese~ Service Information A service summary is not available